Vegetarian Versions of Classic Comfort Foods

Try your hand at this healthier (and vegan) take on the popular “Big Mac” that can be made at home in a flash.

Turn vegetarian butternut squash chili into a hearty one-pan meal by topping it with mouthwatering cornmeal cheddar biscuits. Sour cream and pickles are perfect for serving alongside this easy chili recipe.

Mint and cucumber ribbons give these savoury garlic, tahini and peanut marinated tofu skewers refreshing balance. Don’t forget the creamy coconut saute sauce for serving.

Get the recipe for Tofu Peanut Satay and Cucumber Skewers

No one will miss the meat when eating Valerie Bertinelli’s hearty Minestrone. Packed with lots of vegetables and rounded out with orzo — that rice-shaped pasta — this is a filling soup sure to please everyone.

A great use for leftover grilled veggies, these ooey, gooey quesadillas make for a quick and easy vegetarian meal.

With similar seasoning to its meaty cousins, jackfruit has a satisfying texture that will win over the carnivores at your table.

Get the recipe for Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to a juicy steak, Alton’s recipe for tender, broiled slices of flavourful eggplant topped with Parmesan and his homemade sweet-and-spicy sauce can’t be beat.

Hearty tofu provides protein in this easy vegetarian chili recipe with kidney beans, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions. A healthy, veggie-packed meal.

Enjoy the messy fun and traditional taste of the sloppy joe (without the heaps of meat).

A vegetarian twist on buffalo wings, but with meaty cauliflower. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, Thai chilies and green onions.

Grilled cauliflower, mango slaw and avocado crema come together for a sophisticated vegetarian take on classic fish tacos.

Any lasagna lover — vegetarian or otherwise — will certainly to enjoy Giada’s mouth-watering take on this classic dish.

Delicious vegetarian lasagna is packed with healthy greens and lots of cheese.

It just so happens that this dish looks and tastes just like a classic clubhouse sandwich, but omits the greasy meat.

This veggie-filled chili happens to freeze really well, so double up the recipe and save the rest for a rainy day. Just add fresh herbs, cheese and a squeeze of lime to liven it up.

Going meatless? These cauliflower buffalo wings with ranch dip will make a tasty vegetarian alternative at your backyard party.

Fresh grilled yellow squash and zucchini are highlighted in these tempting vegetarian burritos stuffed with black beans, cilantro lime rice and Monterey jack cheese before being finished on the grill.

These Italian rice balls are filled with a mixture of sauteed shallots and garlic, perfectly cooked rice and artichoke hearts, and then are fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and tender centre.

Some veggie burgers can taste like cardboard or have a laundry-list of ingredients, but these complete-protein black bean and quinoa patties keep it simple without skimping on great taste. Enjoy them year-round by pan frying.

Even if you’re not a fan of veggie burgers, one bite of Giada’s savoury lentil burgers will change your mind.

Textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu and bulgur wheat create a flavourful, hearty “meatball” that rivals the protein content of the classic meat-based version. Enjoy these simply with tomato sauce, or toss with whole grain pasta.

This seafood pasta is not only visually gorgeous, but the brown rice spaghetti, kale and low-calorie vegan scallops means it’s also really good for you.

Combining fresh summer veggies with creamy goat cheese, garlic and sundried tomatoes makes for a satisfying sandwich served on toasty pieces of warm baguette.

This tasty vegetarian dish from Giada de Laurentiis can be served as a main or a side. Prep ahead of time and pop in the oven just before serving bubbly hot and fragrant.

Get the general flavours of a traditional tourtière with flaky puff pastry stretched over a mix of savoury vegetables and brown lentils. Top it with sweet tomato chili sauce or a tomato chutney for a sweet/tart contrast.